Marlin Barrel loose?

[nofishbob]

I just received an older marlin 30-30 lever action model 30AS. There is a tiny amount of play between the barrel and the reciever. That is, if you try to twist the fore stock while holding the receiver, a small amount of wiggle is detectable.

You have to really look closely and feel for this looseness, but as hard as it is to see, it is definitely there.

Is this considered "normal", or is a repair required?

How hard/expensive is this to fix?

Thanks!

Bob

 

[gb6491]

Bob,
Are you sure it's the barrel or could it be just the fore stock is loose? I've handled quite a few lever guns that the fore stock had loosened up some.
If it's the barrel and it wiggles, I'd be concerned that something is damaged and damaged in bad spot (i.e. cracked receiver).
Regards,
Greg

 

[Jeff F]

It should not be loose at all. Have a gunsmith look at it.

 

[ranger335v]

" ...if you try to twist the fore stock while holding the receiver, a small amount of wiggle is detectable."

It's normal for the forestock to have a little slack. It's not hard attached to the action, barrel or magazine.

 

[rcmodel]

I'd suggest you get a bottle of type-writer white-out.

Now, paint a spot on the blue-steel joint between the barrel & receiver with it and let it dry.

Now, wiggle with all your might.

If the white-out cracks off, you have a loose barrel and a dangerous gun that needs repair.

If it doesn't crack, only the wood forearm is moving, which is perfectly normal.

rcmodel

 

[nofishbob]

Thanks, guys-

It is definitively the barrel moving, not the fore stock. Ugh.

Is this likely to be a repair that is justified, given the age and (probably low) value of this rifle?

Bob

 

[Wvladimire]

If you want to shoot the rifle and enjoy it, then yes get it repaired. A new one will run between 400-500 dollars.

 

[rcmodel]

A gunsmith can probably peen the barrel shoulder back and get it to tighten up correctly.
Or set it back a thread on the lathe and rechamber.
But that would also entail the tube magazine mounting and forend hanger changes, etc., and could get real expensive fast.

However, it is probably more important for a good gunsmith to determine why it is loose in the first place.

He should be looking especially for a cracked receiver ring or other damage that may not be visible without a complete tear-down.

Still, it shouldn't cost that much to have it gone over.

BTW: It might be worth calling Marlin and talking to them. It is most certainly far out of warranty, but they don't want the barrel falling off one of their 30-30's and hurting somebody either.
They might do something for you out of the goodness of their heart.

rcmodel

 

[nofishbob]

Thanks again, guys.

I will do as you suggest, call Marlin, and if still required, go to a gunsmith.

Bob